We've touted the benefits of turmeric in the past. It's still true: this spice is the bomb! As a folk remedy turmeric was used to treat many, many maladies - everything from measles to gum disease, indigestion to the flu. Researchers have recently become quite interested in this yellow spice, so there is good evidence that at lease some of these folk remedies have clout. Here are a few highlights of how cooking with turmeric can improve your health:

Turmeric prevents and kills cancer

Soothes digestive problems, including gastric reflux

Relieves headaches, joint and muscle pain and inflammation

Improves circulation by stimulating blood flow

Protects the liver and supports detoxification

Helps type II diabetics become more sensitive to insulin and better at metabolizing sugar

Used topically as a facial mask, turmeric can clear breakouts and acne

And the list goes on...

Here are some simple ways to get more turmeric in your life:

Add it to everything you cook: soups, stews, beans, casseroles... A tablespoon in the pot will change the color but not the flavor.

Eat curry! Pick up an Indian cookbook and plug a curry into your weekly menu. I love our local chef, Raghavan Iyer's cookbooks.

Jesse Haas is a co-founder of Wellness Minneapolis, Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a Certified Massage Therapist. She is also pursuing a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Click here to learn more about Jesse.